Frequently Asked Questions

General

Why can't I see lyrics or LiveLyrics for some songs?

It depends on the song and the country where you're using SoundHound. Licensing requirements allow us to show lyrics and LiveLyrics in certain countries. We are constantly expanding our coverage, and will make announcements as we expand geographically.

Why is SoundHound now allowing unlimited IDs in its free version?

We heard from many of our free users that they were afraid to use the app, because they might hit the maximum number of IDs allowed per month. Some users did not understand that the usage of the free app was limited, and were hurt when they ran out of IDs. We want everyone to use SoundHound to their hearts' content, so we made SoundHound unlimited.

What benefit is there to buying SoundHound ∞, when there are unlimited IDs in the free version?

Paid users tell us that they purchased SoundHound ∞ for the ad-free experience, especially on the unlimited lyrics pages. But we want to go further than that, so we are making SoundHound ∞ the lead app for SoundHound's new features. If you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, it already includes exclusive links to artists' Wikipedia pages, as well as Song Recommendations; if you have an Android phone, you'll gain access to a home screen widget, which allows you to identify music without launching the application.

What about users who paid earlier in 2010 to upgrade SoundHound to have unlimited IDs?

Users with this upgrade will enjoy an ad-free experience, and be the first to enjoy new features, just like on SoundHound ∞.

I purchased SoundHound, and then got a new phone on a different Operating System. Can I transfer the license?

To obtain another version of SoundHound for a different operating system, you would have to make an additional purchase. This is because SoundHound is developed specifically for each platform by different teams to ensure quality and a consistent user experience. If you do not want to purchase another version of SoundHound, you may download a free version for your new Android, iOS or WindowsPhone device. The free versions now offer unlimited IDs and most other premium features, like unlimited lyrics.

I had to delete and reinstall SoundHound. Or, I switched from a different operating system such as Android, iOS, or WindowsPhone. Can I access my previous favorites or history?

If SoundHound is deleted from your phone (including through a factory reset), or you switch from Android to iOS/WindowsPhone, there is currently no available method to restore your previous favorites or history. You can, however, export your favorites to email. First, favorite songs, artists, or albums from your history or while browsing. Then go to SoundHound History > Favorites, and, if using an iPhone/iPad, tap the email icon in the upper right corner, or if using an Android, bring up the menu and tap "Email Favorites". Favorites are not yet available on WindowsPhone.

Can SoundHound work if I whistle instead of singing or humming?

SoundHound has been designed to work even when you whistle! But please note that the microphones on most mobile devices, including iPhones and Android phones, are very sensitive to whistling. To make sure your whistled search gets the best results, try not to whistle too loud or too close to the microphone: hold the phone at arm's length while whistling, and whistle at only a moderate volume so that the SoundHound volume bar does not fill up all the way. On searches of music you sing, hum or hear playing, it's OK to have higher volume, because the devices' mics are not as sensitive to those sounds.

Why can't I email or share my lyrics?

Current licensing agreements require us to disable the copying and sharing of lyrics. The good news is that because SoundHound's lyrics are legal, you can count on our app being around in the future. We hope the rules change, and will include a notice in a future update of SoundHound if they do.

Is a network connection required to use SoundHound?

SoundHound does not require a WiFi connection to run, but in order to ID songs and use many of the other features in our application, a network connection is needed.

We do also accept digital submissions. We don't have an electronic mailing system that we require you use, but all songs need to be properly labeled (artist name, song title, album name), formatted as MP3s, and in one file.

How can I obtain a promo code for SoundHound?

In order to obtain a promo code to review SoundHound, we ask that you have an audience of at least 500 readers or followers on YouTube or Twitter. Please contact us using our Support Form - we look forward to your review of SoundHound!

Why are there no results when I do a singing or humming search?

For best results, be sure to have just one person sing at a time with no background music, and try to give SoundHound at least 10 seconds of music. If there still is no result, it is possible that your song is not yet one of the millions on our contributor site, midomi.com. But you can log on there and be the first to add it!

I would like to contribute to the sing search database. How can I do so?

Simply go to midomi.com and create a free account. Then, go to the Recording Studio link and sing the song in any language. This way, you can help others find a song when they sing, hum, or whistle. Also, if you don't have a microphone, you can use our Support Form to send us your mailing address, and we'll send one to you free of charge.

I still have one more question not on here; where can I get mine answered?

SoundHound for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch

Once I've bought SoundHound ∞ for my iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, do I have to pay again if I also want SoundHound ∞ on my other iOS devices? What if I have to do a hard reset, or the app is somehow deleted from my phone? Can I replace it without paying again?

As long as you're using the same iTunes account as when you originally purchased SoundHound, you will not have to pay again to install SoundHound on the another iOS device (or the same one). Just be sure to download the same version or upgrade that you previously purchased:If you purchased SoundHound ∞, just sign into your iTunes account through your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, and download it again. This will be free of charge even if a price is shown.If you used the free version of SoundHound, then upgraded, you'll need to install the free version again, then go to the Upgrade page and select "Already Upgraded? Tap Here To Restore." This will be free of charge.

If I previously downloaded Midomi and deleted it, can I download SoundHound ∞ without paying for it?

As long as you're using the same iTunes account as when you originally downloaded Midomi, you will not have to pay. This is because SoundHound ∞ is the new version of Midomi. To get SoundHound ∞, all you need to do is sign into your iTunes account through your iPhone and you'll gain access.

When using SoundHound on a mobile network, I cannot get any results. What can I do?

Some carriers modify the information SoundHound sends from your device, and this prevents SoundHound from working properly. SoundHound now automatically attempts to send the information in a way that will not be modified by the carrier. But, you can also manually change the setting if you are still having trouble. Go to your Settings within SoundHound > Port Settings, then select 80, or if this does not work, select 443. SoundHound will operate normally on other carriers' networks or on WiFi.

If Pandora isn't working within SoundHound, what can I do to get it up and running?

At this time, Pandora is only available in the United States. If you live in the U.S. and are still having issues, please check to see if you have the latest version of Pandora installed on your device. Also, if you haven't already done so, you will need to create a free account on Pandora to use this service.

How do I find the music I've purchased through SoundHound?

Songs you've purchased through SoundHound can be found in the iPod app, and also on the SoundHound app. The easiest way to find them within the app is to look in the automatically created playlist called "Purchased", but you should also be able to find them if you look under songs, artists or albums.

Is there a way to change the iTunes store location when I purchase songs?

To delete individual songs from your history, just swipe your finger left on the row you want to remove. A "Delete" button should appear, at which point you can strike a song you've discovered.

Is there a way to keep my SoundHound favorites and history if I'm planning to get a new iPhone/iPad using the same carrier?

Yes! If you currently have an iOS device, just sync your apps from your device to iTunes. Then, when you get the new device, choose "Restore from backup" when you connect it to iTunes.†Apple provides more details here: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2109

What can I do if I'm having trouble posting to Facebook or Twitter?

In this instance, please try clearing your account name within SoundHound's settings. Then try to share a song, and when you're prompted, try re-logging in, and see if that helps.

If I can't seem to get my Bluetooth to work with SoundHound, is there anything I can do?

Our Bluetooth feature is in beta, though we hope to be able to support this functionality completely in the future. In the meantime, if your Bluetooth is enabled and not working properly, that means your device is likely not compatible at this time. You can turn off this functionality by going to iPhone Settings > SoundHound, then turn "Use Bluetooth" to Off.

Can my untitled song names and cover art replaced with updated information after being looked up in SoundHound?

Unfortunately, operating system restrictions currently prevent SoundHound from being able to edit your library information. We do hope this changes, and will include a notice in a future update if it does.

SoundHound won't work on my early generation iPod touch. How can I fix this?

SoundHound requires sound input from a microphone, and unfortunately, first generation iPods do not allow this input. Second and third generation iPod touch devices will work with an external mic such as on an Apple headset with microphone. Fourth generation iPod touch devices have a built in microphone and should work seamlessly.

I did a search when I was not connected to a network. Where can I find that song snippet now?

Once you're back on a network, all you need to do is go to your History, then click the pending search, and you should be able to see the same artist, song, and/or album information that you see while doing a regular search.

SoundHound for Android

SoundHound was deleted from my phone! How do I replace it without paying again?

As long as you use the same Gmail account that you used when you first purchased SoundHound, you should be able to download SoundHound ∞ from the Market without being charged again.

I purchased SoundHound, then had to get a new Gmail account. Will I have to pay for SoundHound again?

We can refund your original purchase, but in order to do that, you will first need to purchase SoundHound again using your new e-mail address. After that charge has gone through, please send support@soundhound.com both purchase order numbers, properly labeled (ie: original e-mail, new e-mail) and we will give you a refund.

How do I find the music I purchased through SoundHound?

All songs you buy will be saved to your SD card in a folder called AmazonMP3.

How can I delete individual songs from my history?

To delete a single search, hold down the selection you'd like to remove, and a menu should appear with a "Delete" button. Click that, and the search you've selected will be removed.

Can SoundHound identify music I play from other third party applications?

You can generally play music from any app on the phone and then just run SoundHound while the app is playing music.

I don't have a credit card. Can I purchase SoundHound through PayPal, or another means?

Unfortunately, at this time, we are only selling SoundHound ∞ through the Android Market.

I added SoundHound to my SD card, and now I don't see the widget, anymore. What's going on?

Due to operating system restrictions, we cannot allow you to have both Apps2SD enabled and the widget at once.

I bought SoundHound for Android, but I cannot use the app because it appears to be "still downloading" or downloaded but will not open. What happened?

In some Android markets, it can take up to two days to authorize your credit card when you make a purchase. If SoundHound does not download or open as you expected after two days, please contact us at support@soundhound.com.

When using SoundHound on a mobile network in the UK or France, I cannot get any results. What can I do?

Some carriers in the UK and France modify the information SoundHound sends from your device, and this prevents SoundHound from working properly. SoundHound now automatically attempts to send the information in a way that will not be modified by the carrier. But, you can also manually change the setting if you are still having trouble. Go to the options page by launching SoundHound and then click Menu > Options > Port Settings, then select 80, or if this does not work, select 443.

Why does SoundHound need access to all these various permissions?

- Your Location – Saved with your searches in History to help you remember where you heard the song. This can be disabled under Options.- System Tools – Used to conserve battery life when SoundHound is in the background.- Hardware Controls – Used to record audio for identifying songs or voice search, and also for vibration alerts, which can be disabled under Options.- Phone Calls – Used to detect incoming calls so you can answer them while using SoundHound.- Storage – Used for storing data on the SD card to make the application load and run faster.- Network Communication – Used to complete searches and provide content such as a song's audio preview and artist biography.

Please contact us if you have difficulty with any of these settings, and please know that SoundHound does not collect personally identifiable information through the app.

SoundHound for WindowsPhone

SoundHound was deleted from my phone! How do I replace it without paying again?

Go to the marketplace application on your mobile phone, or visit the WindowsPhone marketplace on your desktop browser, and search for SoundHound. Or click here to download SoundHound now

I purchased SoundHound, then had to get a new Windows Live account. Will I have to pay for SoundHound again?

SoundHound is a free app, which means you can download it again with your new Live account, and continue getting unlimited searches and lyrics!

How do I find the music I purchased through SoundHound?

If you purchased a Zune pass, you can access unlimited music by launching the Zune application on your device. You can also select the shopping cart icon or the 'zune marketplace' option from a context menu in SoundHound to launch your favorite tracks or artists in the Zune app.

How can I delete individual songs from my history?

Tap and hold the item you would like to delete until the context menu appears, then select "Delete" to remove it. To clear your history, tap on the application bar and select "Clear All".